Big Ideas Inspire Change

“Big ideas don’t scare me. They inspire me.” This simple conviction propelled Alicia Ryan from the Strategy Office in Washington, DC, to the forefront of advanced manufacturing in Huntsville, Alabama.

As the founder and CEO of LSINC, Ryan is crafting more than just a business. She is creating a legacy that turns imagination into remarkable realities. Her journey exemplifies how vision, determination, and a steadfast commitment to service can reshape industries and communities.

Strategic Pathways

Ryan’s rise to leadership wasn’t a straight line; it was marked by strategy. Prior to founding LSINC, she worked as a market analyst in Washington, DC, where she supported large corporations like Booz Allen in navigating emerging technologies for various entities including multinational corporations and government agencies. She excelled at spotting opportunities that others overlooked and aligning bold concepts with practical business results.

After relocating to Huntsville with her family, Ryan adopted the same strategic perspective. She established LSINC to assist businesses and government organizations in navigating technology, markets, and strategies. What began as a consulting service quickly evolved into something much more significant.

“We wanted to not only analyze ideas but also make them a reality,” Ryan recalls. This vision led her to acquire a product development company, gradually expanding LSINC’s offerings to include engineering services, contract manufacturing, and creating specialized machines and objects.

Today, LSINC is recognized globally for its design and manufacturing of industrial machinery, serving clients in diverse fields, including aerospace and defense. However, for Ryan, the real achievement lies not merely in the machines they produce but in the remarkable team behind them.

“I’m most proud of my people,” she states. “When a small group of engineers grows into a phenomenal team capable of transforming concepts into global products, that’s what really matters.”

The Courage to Evolve

LSINC’s growth reflects Ryan’s readiness to embrace change, risk, and new challenges. From engineering to contract manufacturing and launching innovative products, each phase required her to step into unfamiliar leadership roles.

“I’m not saying I’m fearless,” Ryan admits with a smile. “But I’ve always thought that if there’s an opportunity beneficial to both the company and clients, one should seize it, even if the returns aren’t immediate.”

This approach has proven effective. Today, LSINC distributes its products worldwide, with support from international dealers, growing its market reach from Poland to New Zealand. The strategic skills she once applied to various global firms now underpin her own vision.

Servant Leadership at the Core

Central to Ryan’s leadership philosophy is her commitment to servant leadership, a concept she has studied extensively. She believes that organizations thrive when leaders focus on empowering people, building trust, and aligning everyone toward a common goal.

“Some considered servant leadership naive,” she reflects. “But I was convinced you could achieve business success by doing the right thing and ensuring the entire system works together.”

This belief has fostered a culture within LSINC where innovation and integrity coexist, shaping Ryan’s community initiatives and educational impact.

Shaping the Future

Among Ryan’s proudest accomplishments isn’t just a machine—it’s a school. She played an instrumental role in founding the Cyber Technology and Engineering High School in Alabama, one of the nation’s first high schools aimed at preparing students for careers in cybersecurity and engineering.

From its inception, Ryan served as vice-chair of the state board and committed her expertise, leadership, and time to ensure the school’s success.

“We believe in investing in our youth,” she says. “This school should be a source of pride, not just for the state but for the entire nation.”

Her strategy aligned with national security needs and industry demands, helping the school secure over $20 million in funding, quickly establishing it as a model for education and workforce development.

The Role of Mentorship

No impactful leader’s journey is complete without mentorship. For Ryan, several influential women played pivotal roles.

In Washington, a high-ranking partner at Booz Allen, who had risen through the ranks from secretary, was a significant mentor. “In my 30s, she urged me to consider what I wanted to contribute to the world,” Ryan recalls.

In Huntsville, another mentor named Dorothy Davidson became a guiding friend after the passing of her husband. Dorothy offered a simple but powerful piece of advice: “Stop being so nice.”

This lesson stayed with Ryan. “Women are often told they are too aggressive. She reminded me that I don’t need to be overly accommodating as a leader.”

For Ryan, purpose exists within the realm of possibilities. Whether it’s about a new product or establishing a school, she believes in creating the right environment for ideas to flourish.

“People often dwell on why something isn’t happening,” she says. “My focus is on how it can happen and finding the right people to make it come to life.”

This mindset has not only fueled LSINC’s global expansion but has also molded Alabama’s future in technology, defense, and education. Ryan has turned Alabama into a hub for innovation by aligning market needs with partnership efforts.

Acknowledgment and Legacy

Ryan’s influence is widely recognized. She has been honored with the Distinguished Service Award from the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce among various accolades for her leadership and contributions.

Active with associations such as the United States Army Association and Women’s Defense Association, Ryan continues advocating for national security and the advancement of women in leadership roles.

However, for her, the true legacy is not found in awards. It’s in the people she inspires and the systems she’s built.

“I’m most proud of my family and my team,” she affirms. “I’ve been fortunate. My role has been to hold on to my vision, believe in the possibilities, and bring others along on this journey.”

A Visionary Leader

Alicia Ryan’s story encapsulates how visions transform into realities, strategies evolve into innovations, and leadership is grounded in service. From her role at LSINC to her work in establishing ASCTE, Ryan has left an indelible mark in Alabama and various global industries.

She truly embodies the essence of a transformative leader—capable of establishing bold systems while uplift others in their ascent.

“Big ideas don’t scare me,” she reiterates. “They inspire me, and when they inspire others, that’s when real impact occurs.”